JULY/AUGUST/SEPT 2016 CHAMBER NEWS 1 2016 JULY/AUGUST/SEPT VOLUME 15 NUMBER 3 M E M E B E R S P O T L I G H T C HAMBER News *Content wrien by outside sources does not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber. At the end of the day, it’s not about who you know, but who knows you that will take your career or business to the next level. Experts agree that networking is too important to you and your business not to do because it is the best way to build personal relationships that can break through the bombardment of advertising messages and provide you a competitive advantage. When you boil it down there are really 4 key points to keep in mind with networking. 1. Do your Homework: Use your social media and other resources to gain knowledge about the person you would like to meet. That small talk can turn in to a lot more if you know how to keep their attention. 2. Aim High: Why not, right? You never gain anything by staying at the same level, push hard to be in the conversation at the level you want to be in. 3. It’s Not all about the Short Game: Take time with everyone, even if there is no immediate return. Playing the long game will pay dividends. Do things for people because it helps them get to where they are going. When you’re ready, they’ll be there to return the favor. 4. Get outside of your normal circle: Don’t limit yourself to the same ole group with in your profession. Walk in to a group of people you’ve never met, sit at the other end of the table at your next business event. Expand and learn from others outside of your industry and see what you can bring back to better yourself. A large part of our mission at the Chamber is to create an environment and a culture of collaboration between our member businesses. We want you to have the chance to interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts. Because of that, we have developed a new, high-energy networking event to help you build connections. We would like to thank the sponsor of our latest Off the Clock, Michigan Community Credit Union. The event was a huge hit with over 175 people in attendance. Richmond Brothers, our host, provided great hospitality at their new office and airplane hangar. Check out our Facebook page for more pictures and a complete list of all sponsors for the event. Join us at our next Off the Clock, Jackson’s premier professional networking event, on Sept 22 at Arbor Hills Golf Club. Sponsored by Experience Jackson, this is your opportunity to experience Jackson in one night. Enjoy sunshine, fresh air, local food and beverage, live entertainment and much more. Come See, Taste, Explore, Discover, Play & Enjoy Jackson. The Importance of Networking
*Content written by outside sources does not reflect the views & opinions of the Chamber.
At the end of the day, it’s not about who you know, but who knows you that will take your career or business to the next level. Experts agree that networking is too important to you and your business not to do because it is the best way to build personal relationships that can break through the bombardment of advertising messages and provide you a competitive advantage. When you boil it down there are really 4 key points to keep in mind with networking.1. Do your Homework: Use your social media and other resources to gain knowledge about the person you would like to meet. That small talk can turn in to a lot more if you know how to keep their attention.2. Aim High: Why not, right? You never gain anything by staying at the same level, push hard to be in the conversation at the level you want to be in.3. It’s Not all about the Short Game: Take time with everyone, even if
there is no immediate return. Playing the long game will pay dividends. Do things for people because it helps them get to where they are going. When you’re ready, they’ll be there to return the favor.4. Get outside of your normal circle: Don’t limit yourself to the same ole group with in your profession. Walk in to a group of people you’ve never met, sit at the other end of the table at your next business event. Expand and learn from others outside of your industry and see what you can bring back to better yourself. A large part of our mission at the Chamber is to create an environment and a culture of collaboration between our member businesses. We want you to have the chance to interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts. Because of that,
we have developed a new, high-energy networking event to help you build connections. We would like to thank the sponsor of our latest Off the Clock, Michigan Community Credit Union. The event was a huge hit with over 175 people in attendance. Richmond Brothers, our host, provided great hospitality at their new office and airplane hangar. Check out our Facebook page for more pictures and a complete list of all sponsors for the event. Join us at our next Off the Clock, Jackson’s premier professional networking event, on Sept 22 at Arbor Hills Golf Club. Sponsored by Experience Jackson, this is your opportunity to experience Jackson in one night. Enjoy sunshine, fresh air, local food and beverage, live entertainment and much more. Come See, Taste, Explore, Discover, Play & Enjoy Jackson.
The Chamber in ActionThe Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is active in bringing its members networking
events (Business After Hours, Speed Networking), educational events (Economic Luncheons, Leadership Jackson classes) and promotional events (Good Morning! Greater Jackson, Ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreakings). Please see our Calendar (pages 8-9) to save
future dates on your calendar!
BOARD OF DIRECTORSJEFF ANDERSON | Anderson & Makulski, PCPAUL BUCHHOLZ | Lloyd Ganton Retirement CentersPAT BURTCH | Jackson City ManagerWENDY CLIFTON | A Frame AboveJIM COUTU | South Central Michigan Works!FREDDIE DANCY | Dancy’s Fancy ButterDAN DUBOIS | Christman Constructors, Inc.MIKE ENGLAND | Farm Bureau Insurance MARY GARCIA | Garcia Clinical LaboratorySUE GOLDSEN | Board of GovernorKYLE HOCKLEY | Picture this...JacksonSANDY MAES | Board of GovernorsMONICA MOSER | Jackson Community FoundationMIKE OVERTON | Jackson County AdministratorDAVE PAGE | RehmannCATHY REYNOLDS | Consumers EnergyTIM ROGERS | Enterprise GroupMICHELLE SHIELDS | Jackson CollegeRYAN SMITHSON | Baker CollegeTABITHA WILLIAMS | Chair, Experience Jackson
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEChair - Josh Burgett, Michigan International Speedway Vice Chair - Ted Christoff, Christoff & Sons Floor Covering Immediate Past Chair - Sarah Ermatinger, C P Federal Credit UnionSecretary - Bob Moore, Pentar StampingTreasurer - Carolyn Matteson | Anderson Printing/Creative PromotionsAt Large - Jamie McKibbon, Jackson Radio WorksAt Large - Daniel Machnik, CIS, Willis & Machnik Financial ServicesAt Large - Karen Richard, Culver’s Restaurant
BOARD OF GOVERNORSJOHN CRIST | CP Federal Credit UnionLINDA FURGASON | Avis Rent A CarSUE GOLDSEN | Jackson Radio WorksRON GRIFFITH | Spring Arbor UniversityMIKE JONES | Retired SANDY MAES | Allegiance HealthROBERT MICHAELS | RjMPHILIP M. MOILANEN | Marcoux, Allen, Schomer, Bower, Nichols, Kendall, & LindseyTERI OGG | Manpower ServicesSTEVEN PATCH | The Lally GroupDANIEL J. PHELAN | Jackson College
We welcome all Chamber members to join us at our events! If you do plan to attend, please RSVP (517.782.8221) in advance to allow us to plan for food and other provisions accordingly. Check out
Facebook for more event photos. Thank you!
Economic Luncheon at Spring Arbor University with local entrepreneurs from
Makeup Geek and Sockbox.
TC Powersports celebrated the grand opening of their remodeled location in
Michigan Center.
State Senator Mike Shirkey joined us at Bob Evans on West Ave for a great
Legislative Rise & Shine in May.
The Jackson Area Association of Realtors had a ribbon cutting to celebrate their
100th year anniversary.
Richmond Brothers, Inc was proud to show off their new office to a large crowd
at their recent ribbon cutting.
Thank You to Jackson Host Lions Club for having us out to do an Unlock the
Chamber. We always enjoy speaking about the great benefits everyone can get out of
Arbor Hills Golf Club Christopher Cummings 1426 Arbor Hills Road Jackson MI 49201 (517) 750-1400Golf - Courses & Merchandise
BIGGBY Coffee - Spring Arbor Gerry Lobdell 7851 Spring Arbor Rd Ste 4 Spring Arbor MI 49283 (517) 748-5996 Restaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee House
Bruton Electric Ryan Berridge 506 W Prospect St Jackson MI 49203 (517) 990-1216 Electrical Contracting, Equipment & Supplies
Casa Rodriguez Rommel Rodriguez 700 Wildwood Ave. Jackson MI 49202 (517) 513-6100 Restaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee House
Colonial Transportation LLC Caron M. Wootten 500 N. Francis Street Jackson MI 49201 (517) 782-7700 Transportation
Columbia School District Pamela Campbell 11775 Hewitt Road Brooklyn MI 49230 (517) 592-6641 Schools & Colleges
CVS/Pharmacy Sam Larsen 605 N West Ave Jackson Michigan 49202 (517)841-4200 Pharmacy/Drug Store
East Jackson Community Schools Patrick Little 1404 North Sutton Road Jackson MI 49202 (517) 764-2090 Schools & Colleges
Edward Jones InvestmentsKelly Langley 2002 Spring Arbor Rd. Suite A Jackson MI 49203 (517) 782-0828 Financial Planning and Insurance
England Family Agency - Farm Bureau Mike England 3105 Wildwood Ave. Jackson MI 49202 (517) 962-9211 Insurance
EpIQ Escapes Savanah Sheets 561 Wildwood Ave Jackson MI 49201 (517) 240-1173 Attraction/ Entertainment
Extreme Dodge Wes Lutz 2300 Seymour Road Jackson MI 49201 (517) 783-6200 Automobile Services / Sales / Repair
GT Wrap Co Lindsey Mills 7251 Standish Rd Jackson MI 49201 (517) 990-5581 Signs
Keepin’ It Clean- Carpet, Tile & Upholstery Leonard Phillips 9420 Spring Arbor Rd Spring Arbor MI 49283 (517) 262-6898 Carpet / Drapery / Upholstery Cleaning
LDM & Associates Inc Shayne Mickels 2652 Spring Arbor Rd. Jackson MI 49201 (517) 795-1093 Financial Planning and Investment Management
Mark S. McFerran DDS PLLC Victoria McFerran 2002 Spring Arbor Road Suite C Jackson MI 49203 (517) 782-0900 Dentists/Dental Labs/Oral Surgery
Mid-Michigan Health Centers Matt T. Rosenberg 214 N. West Ave Jackson MI 49201 (517) 780-9200 Health Care Services
Napoleon Community Schools Jim Graham P.O. Box 308 Napoleon MI 49261-0308(517) 536-8667 Schools & Colleges
North-Ply Contracting Co. Charlie Dunigan 124 W. Louis Glick Hwy.
PO Box 25 Jackson MI 49204 517-768-7254 Construction Companies-Commercial/Industrial
Notch 8 Neil Fernandes 125 E. Michigan Ave Jackson MI 49201 (517) 513-3891 Shopping Centers
On the Point Promotions Joe Hamp 823 N Francis Street Jackson MI 49202 (517) 787-4747 Promotional Products
Phil Tripp for State Representative Phil Tripp 2999 W. Michigan Ave Jackson MI 49202 1-855-215-1776 Government
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 333 Judd VanCoppeolle 3101 Allied Industrial Drive Jackson MI 49201 (517) 784-1106 Plumbing
Pointer Office Products Jason Hutchison Jackson MI 49201 (517) 879-5132 Office Supplies/Equipment/Furniture
Premier Eyecare of Jackson Linda Jackson 350 N. Wisner Street Jackson MI 49202 (517) 783-6928 Eyecare & Eyewear
Robert Commet for State Representative Robert Commet Jackson MI 49201 (517) 960-1808 Government
Securencrypt LLC Michael Johnson Duncan BonePO Box 4055 Jackson MI 49204 (517) 879-2527 Computer Consulting / Services / Sales / Supplies
Speedy Oil Change Rick Hawley 1318 W. Michigan Avenue Jackson MI 49202 (517) 789-0082 Automobile Services / Sales / Repair
The Dirty Bird Randy LeMaster 142 E Michigan Ave P.O. Box 1434 Jackson MI 49201 Restaurants: Bars / Clubs / Coffee House
Vandercook Lake Public Schools Tony Hollow 1000 Golf Avenue Jackson MI 49203 (517) 782-9044 Schools & Colleges
As a valued member of our organization,
you can play an active role in helping The Chamber grow
Renewing Members1 - 5 Years50TelAdviCoach of Mid-MichiganAl Cavasin- Aurora Borealis Group, LLCAloha TravelApplebee’s Neighborhood Grill & BarArrow UniformASKBank of America Merchant ServicesBatteries Plus BulbsBIGGBY Coffee - Cooper StBIGGBY Coffee - Springport RdBlair’s Car CareBreakfast Rotary Club of JacksonChristman Constructors, Inc.Colonial LifeComcast SpotlightCompassionate Ministries of Jackson CountyCrown Industrial Services Inc.Dale Fisher GalleriesDenny’sDesigns PlusDouble Play CafeEssential EnergiesF.P. Miller CompanyForesight GroupFran’s Lean-On-Me Adult Foster Care Family HomeGAI Consultants, Inc.Gallant TransportationGoldsmith & AssociatesGoodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland, Inc.Grand River BreweryGreat Start Collaborative of JacksonHankerd Inn ResortHope Network New Passage JTown Club HouseHorse Creek CandlesHuff Auto Group
Huron Valley FinancialITC HoldingsJackson Appliance ServiceJackson Area Collaborative Kids Source (J.A.C.K.S)Jackson City Cab & Starlite Cab Co.Jackson Inventors NetworkJackson Oven SupplyJason Wright, Realtor - Howard HannaJB Customs Sales & ServiceJohnstone SupplyKey Opportunities, Inc.LifeSpans... a community serviceLily Missions Center, Inc.Local Logic MediaLove Inc of Jackson CountyMcDonald Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. Inc.MDK Recycling LLCMeggaConMidState Title Agency of Southern Michigan, LLCNorthwood UniversityOlive Garden Italian RestaurantPaul Bengel Mechanical ContractorsProlific Family ChiropracticRed LobsterRise AboveSave the Date Events & DecorSouthridge Park ApartmentsStarr CommonwealthState Representative Earl PoleskiTAC Manufacturing, Inc.TC Power SportsTeachout Security SolutionsThe Salon AcademyTim HortonsVantivWestern School DistrictWestwood MallWillows on Twin Ponds
XCEL staffing
6-10 YearsAcro Legal Copy Service, Inc.Anderson Insurance AgencyAnother Design Co.Aunt Millie’s BakeriesAymond, Lozier & Arora, PLCBrooklyn Country MarketCareer Quest Learning Centers, Inc.Cherry Creek CellarsCulver’s RestaurantErik Smith InvestmentsFull Spectrum Solutions, Inc./Everlast LightingGrangerIndian Trails, Inc.Jackson Small Business Support CenterKentwood Office FurnitureMarch of DimesMidwest Floor Systems, Inc.Paris Agency LLCPickle Barrel Deli, ThePinson Urology and Continence Center P.C.Polly’s Country Market - Parnall RoadPolly’s Country Market - Spring Arbor RdPolly’s Country Market - Summit TownshipPolly’s Country Market - Vandercook LakeRidgeCrest Health CampusRX OpticalSalco EngineeringStrouss Construction LLCThe Ballooney BinThe Purple Rose TheatreTripp’s Auto Shop and Collision Center, Inc.Victoria Pointe ApartmentsWalton Reed Wealth Management Partners of Raymond James
11-15 YearsAnderson Distributing Company/Peerless Importing Co.Bio Image Systems, Inc.Brad A. Double, D.C.Christoff & Sons Floor Covering Inc.F & H Manufacturing Co., Inc.Gilbert ChocolatesHeartland Health Care Center - JacksonHIBU - Yellowbook USAJackson Commercial Contractors Association (JCCA)Mid-Michigan Mechanical Contractors Assoc.Sandhill Crane VineyardsSeymour Ford LincolnSummit Woods Family Dental Care
downtown Detroit, marveling at the innovation and entrepreneurialism bursting forth from the City. Detroit has hundreds of stories about reinvention. After all, it is the “Comeback City”.In Detroit, businesses are investing in workforce by providing spaces people want to be in and opportunities for not only learning and growth but for investment and commitment to their community.Organizations are investing in the community by showcasing the assets once looked down upon…Cobo Hall when it had a leaky roof and the auto
REINVENTIONof Jackson
show was going to leave, the Detroit River when the only way to see the water was from a high rise, and historically significant architecture that was once dilapidated.These are just a few stories of the reinvention I saw and we can all learn from them. As people, as businesses and as a community, we all need to reinvent…and often before something appears to be broken. Reinvention requires foresight, early commitment, and tenacious faith. Jackson is reinventing itself daily and while we have a lot to learn and a long way to go, I’m excited to see how Jackson becomes the next Comeback City.
In this issue of the Chamber News we are focusing on recognizing innovation and entrepreneurship in Jackson County. Jackson has a long
history of being at the forefront of business, today is no different.
FROM PEERS NICK REICHERT, M
AKE UP G
EEK
STAYING MOTIVATED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
No day, week, or month is ever the same when you’re growing a business. Much like being a parent, the life of an entrepreneur is filled with swings between thrilling highs and depressing lows. To keep chugging down the path, you often need to take different mental approaches.
BUILDING MOMENTUM WITH IMPROVEMENT
When things are going well, one of the most effective ways to keep motivated is to experience gradual improvement. An easy but effective technique is to create a list of small goals or to-dos that will slowly accumulate into completing a larger goal. Examples include a list of ways you could gradually improve your product or your website’s user experience. For each of these items, you could go a step further by breaking down those tasks into individual steps leading to their completion (see also: Getting Things Done’s “Next Actions”). This process will not
only help you have a better idea of what you need to do to accomplish your goals, but it will help you feel the thrill of accomplishing something substantial.
AVOID COASTINGWhen things are going especially well, it is often tempting to become complacent or coast for a while. While occasional breaks to prevent burnout are welcome, you should use this strong momentum to your advantage. You could demonstrate your recent successes in your marketing, you could re-investing in the business to burst into the next big stage of your journey, or look into adding another team member that could delegate to or broaden your cumulative experience.You should always be pushing your business it keep improving you position against your competitors and alternative. Do not expect that your competition will always be playing the game the same way forever. Instead, they will be improving themselves while you stay still.
CLEAR YOUR HEAD AND STRATEGIZE ON BAD DAYS
When you happen to run into a lousy day or a depressing month, it is also tempting to wonder why this whole thing is worth the bother. Don’t listen to those voices. Sometimes a good walk or jog outdoors can make all the
difference to clear your head and start a fresh session of strategizing.Once you get your head cleared, you need to step back a bit to not only realize what good things you still have going for you, but also what other ways you can improve to get out of your funk in the long term.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?
For some, starting a business is purely about establishing financial independence, however to be able to keep going in even the hardest of times, you need to have some other big picture goals for your business project. These goals can vary greatly depending on the individual and the business, but it could include things like creating a product lineup that you would love to personally use, creating jobs in your community, or creating a product or service that makes a different in people’s lives. Do your best to keep these items in mind when you are tempted to cave in a bit?
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13HR EDUCATION SERIES - EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT EMPLOYEES, DEPT. OF LABOR SETS DATE FOR NEW POLICIES The Department of Labor recently proposed the biggest overhaul to U.S. overtime law in history. The now new regulations will more than double the salary threshold that makes white-collar managers eligible for overtime pay.The last time the DOL revised the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption regulations in 2004, overtime lawsuits exploded nationwide. New policies are set to start on Dec 1st 2016...Are you ready?7:30am-9:00am | Gene Davis & Son 3575 Francis St.| $25 Chamber Members if paid in advance
THURSDAY, JULY 14SUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP TRAININGSelecting and Evaluating Talent8:00am 12:000pm| CP Federal Credit Union 1100 Clinton Rd.| Costs Apply
MONDAY, JULY 18CHAMBER PAC - PINTS & POLITICSMeet candidates for County Commission, State
with your local, state and federal elected officials. 7:30am-8:30am | Bob Evans - 1725 West Ave | $15 Chamber Members | Space is limited must RSVP
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5COFFEE WITH THE CHAMBER SPONSORED BY ASKAll Chamber members are encouraged to attend Coffee with the Chamber, sponsored by ASK, to meet our staff, learn how the Chamber adds value to your business and discover the best ways to maximize your membership. Start your day with us, make new business connections and take advantage of this opportunity to share what your business offers with other members.7:30am-9:00am | Chamber Office 141 S. Jackson St. | FREE to attend. Space is limited, please RSVP.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18SUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP TRAININGBuilding a High Performance Team8:00am 12:000pm| CP Federal Credit Union 1100 Clinton Rd.| Costs Apply
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23GOOD MORNING! GREATER JACKSON W/ NEWS TALK 970 WKHMAttend this live radio program. The month’s show sponsors are: United Way of Jackson County, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Center - Alzheimer’s Walk, The Ballooney Bin, Experience Jackson, Center for Family Health7:30am-8:30am | Bella Notte Ristorante 137 W. Michigan Ave.| $10 for Chamber members in advance; $15 at the door (includes breakfast)
CALENDARJackson County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber event dates and times are subject to change. Please RSVP to Kelly Sharrer at 517.782.8221 or [email protected]
Representative and US Congress and hear an update on the Chamber’s political activities.5:00pm-6:30pm | Grand River Brewery (private room)| FREE to attend. Space is limited, please RSVP. Donations are encouraged WEDNESDAY, JULY 20SPEED NETWORKING SPONSORED BY COMCAST BUSINESS SERVICESThe plan is simple: We bring Jackson’s professionals together to network (and have fun!). This is a unique way to meet people, generate new contacts and business leads in a structured environment - in one afternoon! Maximum participants: 35. 2:00pm-5:00pm| Grand River Brewery (private room) | $15 for Chamber Members in advance; $25 at the door - RSVP’s a must
MONDAY, AUGUST 1LEGISLATIVE RISE & SHINE WITH MAYOR BILL JORS AND CITY MANAGER PAT BURTCHJoin your Jackson County Chamber on the 1st Monday of each month for a hot breakfast courtesy of the great staff at West Ave. Bob Evans restaurant to discuss important business issues
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23JAXPO KICKOFF MEETINGIf you are new to the Chamber’s annual business to business showcase, attend this kickoff meeting to learn what tools you need to succeed at JAXPO 2016!8:45 - 10:00 am (right after GMGJ) | Bella Notte Ristorante 137 W. Michigan Ave. | FREE to attend. Space is limited, please RSVP.
MONDAY, SEPT 5CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 736TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP JACKSON PROGRAM BEGINSThe Leadership Jackson program is designed to enhance leadership skills for individual growth, organizational improvement and increased community effectiveness.8:00am-10:00am | Chamber Office 141 S. Jackson St. | FREE to attend. Space is limited, please RSVP.
FRIDAY, SEPT 9ANNUAL MEETING NOMINATIONS DUE!!The Chamber’s Annual Meeting is held in January each year. It includes the installation of new Board members, thanking outgoing Board members and
the presentation of awards. We need nominations for Athena, Brick Recognition, Small Business Person of the Year and Reach Hire.
THURSDAY, SEPT 15SUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP TRAININGResolving Conflict8:00am 12:000pm| CP Federal Credit Union 1100 Clinton Rd.| Costs Apply
MONDAY, SEPT 19ECONOMIC LUNCHEON CANDIDATE FORUM FOR 64TH AND 65TH STATE REPRESENTATIVEJoin us and candidates for the 64th and 65th State district seats in the upcoming election. Hear lively debate along with a Q&A session.11:30 - 1:00 pm | Jackson College Walker Hall| $25 Chamber Members if paid in advance
THURSDAY, SEPT 22OFF THE CLOCK SPONSORED BY EXPERIENCE JACKSONJackson’s Premier Professional Networking Event. Experience some of Jackson’s wonderful attractions and assets at a fun-filled networking event. Your opportunity to experience Jackson in one night. Enjoy sunshine, fresh air, local food and beverage, live entertainment and
much more. Come See, Taste, Explore, Discover, Play & Enjoy Jackson. 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Arbor Hills Golf Club - 1426 Arbor Hills Road | $5 Chamber members
TUESDAY, SEPT 27GOOD MORNING! GREATER JACKSON W/ NEWS TALK 970 WKHMAttend this live radio program. The month’s show sponsors are: United Way of Jackson County, Chamber Segment: Member Benefit sponsored by MIS, Jackson Area Association of Realtors, Capital Bankcard, ServiceMaster Absolute Home and Restoration7:30am-8:30am | Bella Notte Ristorante 137 W. Michigan Ave.| $10 for Chamber members in advance; $15 at the door (includes breakfast)
Attendee: 24 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY: Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours prior to the event or person will be charged as if attended. Those events with higher priced fees at the door will result in the higher fee being charged.
The Manufacturing Industry of today looks a lot different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. Modern machine shops are safe, clean working environments; equipped with high-tech machinery. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with manufacturing as a “dirty” and “dark” profession. So how do we change this perception amongst our youth? Or perhaps more importantly, their parents, whose misperceptions of the industry might lead them to believe that a four-year college degree is the only sure route to a rewarding career.
In 2006, t h e Shop Rat program was serving about 15 local youth. In the 10 years since the Shop Rat Foundation launched the Shop Rat Education Program, it has grown to serve over 3,000
youth annually across Jackson, Ingham, Lenawee and Livingston Counties.The Shop Rat Foundation has a mission to ignite interest in manufacturing careers among youth through innovation and outreach. The Foundation’s primary vehicle for carrying out this mission is the Shop Rat Education Program, which employs a hands-on, project-based platform to introduce
youth to careers in construction, engineering, machining, welding and advanced manufacturing. The Shop Rat Education Program offers programming that provides youth with an opportunity to gain exposure, explore and prepare for careers available within these focus areas. The Shop Rat Education Program includes in-
school programs, after-school classes and summer camp opportunities for students in grades 6-12 and is designed to fit within the community pipeline. Offerings within the Shop Rat Education Program range from co-hosted tours of local companies to after-school classes held within manufacturing shops and an in-school, CO2 Dragster Engineering curriculum offered to 6th grade classrooms across Jackson County.
If you would like to learn more about the Shop Rat Foundation and the Shop Rat Education Program, or would like to help support these efforts, please visit www.shoprat.org.
“To change people’s minds and to change
the perception [of manufacturing], it’s the youth that we need to
Awards and Recognition include Athena - The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for women to follow. Sponsored by Llyod Ganton Retirement CentersBrick RecognitionOption 1 - Substantial Façade and Facilities Improvement (Interior and/or Exterior)Option 2 - New Construction (From Ground Up)Reach HIRE - This award was created to reward and recognize business owners who, even after hardship, press forward with determination to conduct business in and in support of Jackson County. Sponsored by South Central Michigan WorksSmall Business Person of the Year - This award highlights the role of small businesses in our community and across the nation. It symbolizes the personal strengths of owners and managers of successful small businesses.
Nominations due September 9, 2016.
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce invites you to nominate a fellow Chamber member for the 108th Annual
Meeting on January 26, 2017. Be on the lookout for a packet.
A rather inconspicuous building located at 543 E. Washington Ave holds more than you could ever imagine. Not just in the shear amount of machines and equipment but quite possibly the best collection of brain and will power in Jackson County. Jackson Makerspace is a non-profit,
membership-based organization providing a community resource of tools, knowledge and environment to empower members to collaboratively learn, create and share. They give people the missing
ingredient to make their ideas reality. Whether you are looking to learn a skill, enjoy a hobby, or start a business, Jackson Makerspace and everyone inside will be there to help you achieve your goals.
The Chamber recently had an opportunity for a tour from the leadership of Makerspace, Tom Grace and John Hopkins. It’s not hard to see why in just little over a year this place has become the go to place for people of all ages with the itch it invent and innovate to meet, build
and exchange ideas. The passion for creating new things is something that runs deep with these two, holding over 100 patents between them. These days they are more focused helping others get to their goals.
From simple wood and metal working tools to state of the art electronic and 3D printing e q u i p m e nt , you can build almost anything you can imagine here. Just ask Joan Lewis, a Jackson native, grew up on a small 10 acre farm right outside of Jackson city limits. Joan’s family had a garden full of vegetables, fruits, and livestock; like pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and turkeys. She also spent a lot of time sewing with my mom, aunts, and grandmother. “Growing up like it was the depression meant you had to be able to work hard, problem solve, and have the ability to fix things,” Lewis said. Her dad guided her and her brothers into starting their own scraping and lawn care business at the age of 10. She says this all instilled in her the drive to work, design, and invent.
Like so many others over the years, Joan ran in to a problem and out of frustration came up with a plan to fix the problem. Makespace has been of great importance during the process for Lewis, allowing her access to the multitude of machines available to try different ideas. However, it might be the willingness of others to help her reach her goals that makes
this place special. The community of innovation, problem solvers and builders has grown from an idea to a full blown incubator in a matter of months.
There are also many programs and collaborations happening within Makerspace. One is a youth program run by Dave Kalen where youth get to learn about engines by working on an actual Model T cut away. It is these kinds of programs that the Makerspace leadership is excited about and what it means, not only for the kids, but a chance to grow their reach in the community to promote the art that is innovation and creativity.
Classroom and book learning are vital to a student’s success and hands-on, real life experience can bring the lesson home for many students. When students have a chance to actually manage a business while earning money, they are fully engaged in the entrepreneurial process and implementing the lessons taught in the classroom.When students control and interact with all aspects of the operations, from cleaning the floors to monitoring the books, they are given full access to see what ownersh ip a n d develpment of a business looks and feels like. The belief is that students will benefit far more if they fully understand the impact of a late employee or a damaged product first hand, than if someone had just told them in theory. Across the world, this practical experience has been, and will continue to be, life transforming for many students.In downtown Jackson, Notch 8 is a new retail store that has embraced this concept and taken it to a new level.
Notch 8 not only gives students real life, hands on experience running a business, it gives these opportunities to at-risk Jackson County high school students. Additionally, all profits from the store go to Rise Above, a nonprofit alternative school, and other local non profits that need additional fundraising dollars. The hope is that by donating to these groups from your buying at the stores, NOTCH 8 will be able to help these non profits focus their missions rather than spending time and resources
fundraising.At Notch 8, each item is tagged with two prices (the regular retail price and a 25% off discounted
price) and the customer chooses what to pay. If the customers believe in the mission and want to help… customers can pay the full retail price. Even at 25% off discounted price, there still a small profit available to donate to local organizations.
125 E. Michigan Ave in Downtown Jackson FB/Notch8Mission
As an entrepreneur, you not only have to build a business, but you have to be able to build business for your business. Whether we
want to admit it or not, we are all in sales in some form regardless of title or position. For any
company to grow, there are two main roles: 1) Sales and Growth 2) Everything else. “A closed mouth doesn’t
get fed. You have to ask for what you want, but like most things, the way you say it and what you say matters,” said Jared James, CEO of Jared James Enterprises, when I spoke with him recently on this issue. Here are four ways you can help grow your business with sounding like a sleazy salesperson:1) Spend more time with your customers. I know you’ll say I don’t have time, but without your customers, what do you have? Nothing! Spend more time with your customers talking about your business. It will pay off in the end!2) Know your business! I don’t just mean your business. Know your business, know your competition, know everything! Be the expert. If you sell widgets, then anyone who needs to know anything about widgets, wants to buy a widget, or needs parts for their widget, should want to come to you because you are the expert. More importantly, the more you know, the harder it is for people to say no to you when you are delivering your message!3) Be confident, but not desperate! Your clients need your service or product. When you appear desperate for their business, they get the upper hand. When you are confident, you maintain the edge! Even though you are trying to sell to them, you should always maintain the impression that they need you more. Keep the ball in your court!4) Be great at whatever it is you do. Never settle for letting anyone provide a better product. If there’s a better product or service out there, eventually, your customers will find it and that’s where they will go. You need to be the expert and you need to make sure everyone knows it!If you utilize these techniques, and don’t push your product like a sleazy salesman from 1982 in a bad plaid jacket with elbow pads, you will never be looked at like one. What you will do however, is create a growing business.
JASON WRIGHT, HOWARD
HAN
NA
4 ways to ask for business without coming across as a
